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Deirdre Manning as Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
SLEEPING BEAUTY presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Jan 4. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.
Third time and still as charming as ever.
Deb G. Girdler as Wisteria. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
One of ETC’s most cherished family-friendly holiday musicals returns to the stage for a third time. SLEEPING BEAUTY is written by local playwright Joseph McDonough with music and lyrics by David Kisor. The pair take the familiar story and give it a modern twist with a floral bent.
Michael G. Bath as the Falcon. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Deb.G.Girdler returns for a third time as the evil Wisteria who curses Briar Rose. Girdler is clearly having a blast on stage as she belittles and belts her way through the show.Joining her in a hat trick is Michael G. Bath as Wisteria’s hench-bird, Falcon. Smart tongued and quick-witted, the two make a delightfully wicked pair. Wisteria also performs my favorite numbers in the show, “A Thorn in my Side” and “I’ve Heard It All Before.”
Denise Devlin as Lilac, Sara Mackie as Marigold
& Brooke Steele as Daisy. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Three of ETC’s “Wonderetts” return to play Wisteria’s three fairy sisters. Denise Devlin as Liliac, Sara Mackie as Marigold, & Brooke Steel as Daisy. As usual, the three have a fun chemistry and sound great together.
The royal parents, played by Phil Fiorini (King Stefan) & Kate Wilford (Queen Olivia) are an entertaining duo, especially when they don’t see eye to eye.
Kate Wilford as Queen Olivia, Phil Fiorini as King Stefan & Company. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Busy as a bee Dee Anne Bryll stages fun choreography for several ensemble numbers.
The characters in the production have a very clever and unique look. Great work by costume designer Reba Senske and wig and makeup designer Kelly Yurko. Favorite costumes include Wisteria, her three sisters, Falcon, Queen Olivia and the dragon.
SLEEPING BEAUTY is entertaining, bright and fun for the whole family.
My rating: 3.75 out of 5
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